Crew SC signs midfielder Meram to extension

The Columbus Crew SC will keep its longest-tenured player around longer.

Midfielder Justin Meram, the team's first round pick in 2011, has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to remain in Columbus. He won the team's MVP award last season.

“This contract extension means a lot to me. Having this club believe in me for multiple years to come is something that throughout my career I’ve worked hard to achieve,” said Meram. “It’s definitely an honor to have this extension, but I’m not going to take my foot off the gas – I’m going to strive for bigger and better things.”

Meram, who assisted on Ethan Finlay's goal in the Crew SC's season opener, made 33 appearances last season. He scored five goals and added 13 assists. He made his 150th career MLS regular-season appearance by starting Sept. 28 at D.C. United. In addition to being named the 2016 MVP for Crew SC, Meram was the Etihad Airwaves MLS Player of the Month in October and was named to the MLS Team of the Week during the seventh week of last season.

He's a player the Crew SC is excited to be keeping in Columbus.

“Justin is a player that has become synonymous with Columbus Crew SC,” said Sporting Director and head coach Gregg Berhalter. “He has developed into one of the better playmakers in MLS over the last few years and one of the leaders at the club. We are excited to have him commit to the club and the city of Columbus as we seek to build on our rich history of success."